Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy calls for promotion push to continue

Sep 12 2008

WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy will hope being named manager of the month will not affect his side's chances of continuing their impressive start at Charlton tomorrow.

The former Republic of Ireland manager has guided his side to the summit of the Coca-Cola Championship after claiming three wins out of four.

He was rewarded for his efforts by being named Championship manager of the month for August last week.

Winning the gong is seen as a curse by some, and McCarthy will have his work cut out if he is to maintain his side's unbeaten league start.

Charlton have won their two home games in the league this season, scoring six goals in the process.

A fortnight ago they swept aside Reading, who have been widely tipped for promotion this year, 4-2 at the Valley.

McCarthy admits he now has a welcome selection dilemma having brought in Jason Shackell, Matt Hill and George Friend to boost his defensive options.

He told the club's website, www.wolves.co.uk: "Having won 5-1 against (Nottingham) Forest and played as well as we did when we came off almost two weeks ago, I don't have to change a thing.

"Whether I decide to or not is another matter.

"The new lads have trained well so I'll see and make the decision but I do know what my thoughts are."

Meanwhile, the pressure is increasing on Derby manager Paul Jewell. His side are rock bottom of the division and still short on confidence having not won a league match under him since he took over in November.

Jewell faces Championship heavyweights Sheffield United desperately needing a victory to lift the gloom at Pride Park.

But the former Wigan boss remains defiant and believes a performance akin to that against Barnsley last time out - even though the Rams lost 2-0 - could yield dividends.

"I felt that against Barnsley we were the best team by a country mile, but we just couldn't get that goal," said Jewell.

"We seem to start games well but then crumble when things start to not go our way. But if we can keep playing like we did at Barnsley then I am sure we will turn the corner."

United's neighbours Sheffield Wednesday take on Watford at Hillsborough in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

Tommy Smith will be hoping to add to three goals he has scored so far this season, but he will come up against solid defender Mark Beevers, who has recovered from injury in time to make the Owls' squad.

Second-placed Preston have made an unexpectedly good start to the season and will be hoping to continue that run against a faltering Coventry side at the Ricoh Arena.

Doncaster are struggling for goals this season and face tough opposition in Birmingham at St Andrews.

Forest will hope for three points at home to Burnley while Reading take on Ipswich at the Madejski Stadium.

Crystal Palace's defensive record will worry Eagles manager Neil Warnock ahead of their home game against Swansea, who have lost only once so far this season.

This weekend's other fixtures see Cardiff host Bristol City, Barnsley travel to Blackpool and Plymouth entertain Norwich.

Italian veteran Damiano Tommasi will be hoping to make his first start for QPR when they face Southampton at home on Sunday.